The following is an interview with festival founder and award-winning author Cerece Rennie Murphy regarding the annual celebration of BIPOC creators through the online sci-fi and comic culture convention, Virtuous Con. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Rennie Murphy about the genesis behind the online convention, what this year’s attendees will have in store by way of programming and exhibitors, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Virtuous Con will be returning in February 2026 for its annual celebration of BIPOC creators in speculative fiction across the entertainment media. As the founder, what do you feel makes this annual event truly stand out and provide such a positive force within the entertainment industry?
Cerece Rennie Murphy: I think it’s the combination of live virtual interactions and the fact that you’ve got all these incredible indie BIPOC creators in one space – where they’re easy to find and interact with.
BD: How would you describe your process of bringing this year’s event to life?
CRM: Controlled chaos. LOL! There are a lot of moving pieces, from the technology to trying to bring together creators from all over the world. It’s an incredible privilege that surprises and humbles me every year.
BD: You have an incredible lineup of exhibitors for next year’s event! Who are some of the creators and publishers that attendees can anticipate to be exhibiting?
CRM: Oh, man! Folks are still signing up, but I can tell you that we have filmmakers and anime apparel all in one place. We have comic creators like David Crownson (Harriett Tubman Demon Slayer) and authors like Andrea Rose Washington (Ahmentree’s Magic), and world-class artists like Jocelyn Short (The Bearer’s Series). It’s going to be an amazing show!
BD: Outside of the virtual exhibitor marketplace, Virtuous Con has multiple programming options for attendees. What are you most excited for attendees and exhibitors to experience with this year’s programming?
CRM: I’m most excited for the discussions people can be a part of. We’re going to talk about what AI means for artists. We’re going to talk with artists who are creating in every medium you can imagine despite the divisive climate. We’re going to talk about our fandoms (from Star Trek to Naruto) and debate our favorite controversies. I really want Virtuous Con to feel like a community where we can learn and have fun together.
BD: Are there opportunities for community members and industry professionals to get involved and support Virtuous Con by way of sponsorships or other avenues?
CRM: Absolutely! Folks can sign up for a booth, buy a ticket for themselves or a friend, or donate. For people interested in becoming a sponsor, please email me at cerece (at) virtuouscon (dot) com.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Virtuous Con and purchase tickets?
CRM: I would ask fans to visit our website at virtuouscon.com. It has the latest information on guest announcements, ticket links, etc.
Thanks for having me!
